Printing Methods
The Basics
Color
CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black) is the typical color process used for printing. To print a more exact and specific color, for a price, the Pantone color system can be used.
Resolution
Dots Per Inch (DPI) refers to the ink being dropped on the page. The higher the number the better the quality. Typically the standard for print is 300dpi.
File Types
PDF files are the most widely used and preferred file formats for printing. The vendors Qosmedix works with accepts vector and AI files as well.
Which Printing Method is Right For Me?
| Printing Method: |  Hot Stamping |
 Silk Screen Printing |
 Offset Printing |
| Description of the process: | An engraved image is heated and stamped with a marking film in between the stamp and container. Ink is left behind where the stamp was laid. | An image is burned into a screen and ink is pressed through to the container with a squeegee. | The design is put onto plates for every color being used. The ink is then put on plates and transferred to a blanket. The blanket is then applied to the product in a single pass. |
| Commonly Used On: | Glass, Plastic | Glass, Plastic, Metal | Plastic |
| Coloring: | Each color is printed separately | Each color is printed separately | All colors are printed at once |
| Cure Time: | None | Potential of seven days | Three days |
| Print Runs: | Small quantity is best to keep the heat consistent | Small and large quantities | Large quantities |
| Art Requirements: | Keep ample space between elements and characters to avoid the stamp from spreading the film ink. | Elements no smaller than .005 inch to avoid ink running and causing the screen to fill with dried ink. | Precise replication of even delicate designs and artwork. |
| Best Printed On: | Jars | Jars, Tubes, Bottles, Vials | Tubes |
| Description of the process: | An engraved image is heated and stamped with a marking film in between the stamp and container. Ink is left behind where the stamp was laid. |
| Commonly Used On: | Glass, Plastic |
| Coloring: | Each color is printed separately |
| Cure Time: | None |
| Print Runs: | Small quantity is best to keep the heat consistent |
| Art Requirements: | Keep ample space between elements and characters to avoid the stamp from spreading the film ink. |
| Best Printed On: | Jars |
| Description of the process: | An image is burned into a screen and ink is pressed through to the container with a squeegee. |
| Commonly Used On: | Glass, Plastic, Metal |
| Coloring: | Each color is printed separately |
| Cure Time: | Potential of seven days |
| Print Runs: | Small and large quantities |
| Art Requirements: | Elements no smaller than .005 inch to avoid ink running and causing the screen to fill with dried ink. |
| Best Printed On: | Jars, Tubes, Bottles, Vials |
| Description of the process: | The design is put onto plates for every color being used. The ink is then put on plates and transferred to a blanket. The blanket is then applied to the product in a single pass. |
| Commonly Used On: | Plastic |
| Coloring: | All colors are printed at once |
| Cure Time: | Three days |
| Print Runs: | Large quantities |
| Art Requirements: | Precise replication of even delicate designs and artwork. |
| Best Printed On: | Tubes |
